Squirrels Preschool

Squirrels Pre-school West Totton Community Centre, Hazel Farm Road, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 8WU

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21 January 2016 23 June 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The manager and staff are committed to providing children with high quality care and education. They use self-evaluation effectively to reflect upon and improve their practice. They have met the recommendations raised at the last inspection.  The manager closely monitors children's progress and carefully s addresses children's individual learning needs well. Parents contribute to initial assessments of children's starting points and staff keep them informed about their children's progress.  Staff know all children well and are skilled in helping them form secure emotional attachments. Children settle quickly and thrive in the welcoming environment.  Staff use detailed observations of children to make accurate assessments of their learning. They plan challenging next steps in learning that promote children's good progress and prepare them successfully for school.  Staff and parents work together well. Parents express how much their children enjoy

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This provision is good

being at the pre-school. They appreciate the good quality of care and support their children receive.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Occasionally during some group activities, including when reading stories, staff do not support all children's involvement.  The manager and staff sometimes miss opportunities to help children learn how to use technology and the internet safely.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 strengthen the good teaching even further during group activities to provide opportunities for all children to be involved, particularly when staff read stories  strengthen children's understanding of using technology and the internet safely.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the playrooms and the outside learning environment.  The inspector conducted a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of staff, the provider's self-evaluation form and improvement plan.  The inspector sampled children's assessment records and planning documentation.  The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The management team leads the pre-school well and fully understands requirements. They ensure that staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities. The manager and committee effectively gather the views of staff, parents and children to help them identify where they can make improvements. Staff have individual meetings and support from the manager, who monitors their practice well and ensures children benefit from the staff training. For example, recent training has helped staff to manage children's behaviour and complex needs better. Safeguarding is effective. The management team and staff have a good understanding of the child protection process and know whom to contact if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. The staff are well trained in first aid.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Children's development is assessed through an effective observation and recording system. This allows key persons to gain a clear picture of children's progress, so they can plan for their next steps for learning and provide support at a pace to suit them. Children make choices from a variety of engaging activities and resources, which are stored in easily accessible low-level storage. This helps children become confident and self-assured. At the inspection, children focused intently as they scooped lentils, rice and flour, moving ingredients from one container to another. Staff encouraged them to be creative as they discussed the imaginary concoctions they were making. Children receive regular, effective support to help them increase their vocabulary and gain the confidence to join in conversations.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children are happy and eager to learn. They feel secure and protected, building strong bonds with the adults who care for them. Staff manage children's behaviour effectively and children are familiar with behavioural expectations. They take turns, share and wait patiently for others to have their go. Children persevere with tasks until they are finished and understand that they are all responsible for helping to tidy up afterwards. Staff promote children's understanding of healthy lifestyles well. For example, they provide children with a selection of healthy snacks, opportunities to participate in physical play every day and teach them good hygiene practices.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress from their starting points and staff successfully promote their learning and development in all areas. Staff increasingly analyse the progress that different groups of children make and take effective action to address any differences in children's levels of achievement. Children gain the necessary skills to prepare them well for the next stage in learning and move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 511345 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 842396 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 38 Number of children on roll 98 Name of provider Squirrels Pre-School Committee Date of previous inspection 23 June 2011 Telephone number 023 80862266

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Setting details

Squirrels Pre-School registered in 1989. It operates in Totton, Hampshire. The pre-school receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. It is open each weekday during school term times from 8.25am to 3.25pm. There are 14 members of staff, all of whom have appropriate early years qualifications from level 2 to level 4. In addition, the pre-school employs an administrative assistant.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Setting details

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Setting details

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Setting details

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